Blade assembly, claw assembly, and gradient adjustment system for implements

ABSTRACT

An implement is disclosed having a unique blade assembly, a unique claw assembly, and a unique gradient system for raising, lowering, leveling, and changing the gradient of an implement. The blade angle and blade pitch can be independently adjusted on the blade assembly. The blade assembly and claw assembly use chains to provide force to the lower portions of the blade and prongs, respectively, to maintain the position of the lower portions of the blade and prongs, respectively, when there is forward motion of the implement. The gradient system enables independent height adjustment of each side, right and left, of the implement. When the gradient system is incorporated into the same implement as the blade assembly, the combination makes the gradient of the blade adjustable as well.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The embodiments of this invention relates to grading; road and soilmaintenance; and a gradient adjustment system for raising, lowering,leveling, and changing the gradient of implements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Graders are implements used to move dirt, sand, soil, and rock. Whileother implements can move soil components, graders spread the soilcomponents smoothly leaving a contoured appearance to the landscape.This contoured appearance is both desirable and required by certainendeavors.

Graders are used by road maintenance personnel, construction personnel,some farmers, large landscapers, and anyone desiring to move soilcomponents and leave the premises in a relatively smooth condition oncethe task is finished. Each different consumer may have very differentneeds to be met by a grader.

Many different implements can be used to loosen hardened soil so it canbe processed. Most of these involve the use of claws, forks, plows,prongs, or points. Most of this equipment is expensive and heavy.

For properly working the soil into the desired condition, a system forraising, lowering, and adjusting the inclination or gradient of theimplement is desirable. The inclination of the implement affects how thesoil is processed and the gradient that the soil has once it isprocessed. Many implements work better and process the soil better whenthe operator can make adjustments to the gradient of the implement.

There are also different systems for raising, lowering, leveling, andadjusting the inclination of implements. Many of these systems use turnscrews or spacers in conjunction with hydraulic cylinders or power jacksto attain small changes in gradient. The applicant designed hisimplement for attaining large differences in gradient.

While there may be many different graders, road maintenance, and soilmaintenance implements available, the inventor could not find animplement to meet his needs. What was needed was an implement that wascapable of performing road maintenance and soil grading that waslightweight, easily transported on roads, easily transformed from aworking position to a transportable position, and vice versa, durablefor doing difficult work, simple in design and operation, easy to use,inexpensive, safe, could be operated by one person, could easily breakup hardened soil, could be pulled by a pickup truck, 4WD truck, sportutility vehicle, or tractor, and having a strong multipositional blade.

The implement, disclosed herein, has several desirable capabilities thatother implements do not have. The disclosed implement has severaladjustments that can be made to improve performance of the implement. Awell adjusted implement enables a skilled operator to perform tasksquicker and better. When an implement has the desired features quicklyavailable for use, the operator can significantly shorten the timeneeded to perform tasks.

The versatile implement built by the inventor, and disclosed herein,does a good job of meeting these needs. What is unexpected is how muchwork this lightweight implement can do. The chains positioned low on theworking features provide great strength, while the pivot or rotationalfeatures receive much less force. It is the pivot or rotational featuresalong with the vertical and gradient adjustment system that makes thisimplement so versatile for grading and working the soil.

SUMMARY

The invention has several unique features. The implement has a bladeassembly, a vertical and gradient adjustment system, and a clawassembly. Each of these features are unique.

The implement is lightweight; transportable on roads and highways;easily operated; simple in design; easily transformed from a workingposition to a transportable trailer with some stowed away features, andvice versa; the blade assembly has many different possible workingpositions; the blade is stowable; the claw assembly can loosen hardenedsoil and bring some buried obstacles to the surface; the depth of theprongs can be adjusted; the prongs are stowable; the gradient of theimplement can be changed; the torsion chain is a unique safety featureassociated with the vertical and gradient adjustment system; and an axleand spring combination for strength, flexibility, and relatively safegradient adjustment.

The blade assembly is suspended from the frame by a swiveling means,rotating on a vertical axis; a means for pivotably attaching connectsthe underside of the swiveling means to the upper portion of a blade; afirst blade chain connects a more forward part of the implement to thelower, right portion of the blade; and a second blade chain connects amore forward part of the implement to the lower, left portion of theblade. The length of the blade chains determines the blade angle andblade pitch. When the gradient adjustment system is incorporated intothe same implement as the blade assembly, the height of each side, leftand right, of the vertical and gradient adjustment system can be changedto change the gradient on the grading edge of the blade.

The claw assembly has one or more prongs that pivot on a support memberthat is transversely oriented with respect to implement movement, thesupport member can be attached to the frame or it can be part of theframe, and a chain for each prong connects the lower portion of theprong to a more forward part of the frame.

The gradient adjustment system has two separate and independentlyadjustable sides, right and left. With the exception of an optionaltorsion chain and an axle, the components on the right side of thegradient system are duplicated in a mirrored configuration on the leftside of the gradient system, and vice versa.

The right side of the gradient system has a pivoting arm having a pivotportion and an end portion. The pivot portion has an axis feature. Theaxis feature occupies a transversely oriented aperture in the frame. Thepivoting arm pivots on the axis feature along a vertical rotationalpath. A wheel is rotatably attached near the end portion of the pivotingarm. The wheel rotates on a transverse axis to the direction ofdisplacement of the implement.

The right side of the gradient system has a power jack means pivotablyattached on one end to the frame at a point away from the axis feature.The opposing end of the power jack means is pivotably attached to theend portion of the pivoting arm. The power jack means lengthens orshortens to change the angle of the pivoting arm in relation to theframe. This change in angle raises or lowers the right side of theframe.

The left side of the gradient system has a pivoting arm having a pivotportion and an end portion. The pivot portion has an axis feature. Theaxis feature occupies a transversely oriented aperture in the frame. Thepivoting arm pivots on the axis feature along a vertical rotationalpath. A wheel is rotatably attached near the end portion of the pivotingarm. The wheel rotates on a transverse axis to the direction ofdisplacement of the implement.

The left side of the gradient system has a power jack means pivotablyattached on one end to the frame at a point away from the axis feature.The opposing end of the power jack means is pivotably attached to theend portion of the pivoting arm. The power jack means lengthens orshortens to change the angle of the pivoting arm in relation to theframe. This change in angle raises or lowers the left side of the frame.

The gradient system has an optional torsion chain. The torsion chain isattached to the end portion of the pivoting arm on the right side. Thetorsion chain is also attached to the end portion of the pivoting arm onthe left side of the implement. The properly adjusted torsion chain is asafety feature that imposes a limit on the twisting of the implementwhen one side of the implement is higher than the other side of theimplement.

The gradient system may have a transversely oriented axle that isattached to the end portion of the pivoting arm on the right side and isattached to the end portion of the pivoting arm on the left side. Thegradient system may have springs connecting the pivoting arms, right andleft, to the axle. The gradient system built by the applicant canachieve many inches of vertical difference from one side to the otherside on a frame that is about five feet wide and the implement can stillfunction under these conditions. This amount of gradient is unattainableon many other gradient systems while the system is engaged in a workingsituation.

The chains connected near the soil engaging features of the blade andclaw assemblies make the assemblies more durable than a person mightnormally expect. The many possible blade positions are unusual whencompared to conventional graders. When the gradient adjustment system isincorporated into the same implement as the blade assembly, a change inthe vertical and gradient adjustment system changes the gradient on thecutting edge of the blade. The torsion chain is a unique feature of thegradient adjustment system.

The shield on the front end of the implement is optional. The shield isdesirable to keep rocks, roots, and other potential projectiles frombeing thrown forward into the pulling vehicle by the blade when it isworking. A barrel and a cradle for the barrel are optional. The barrel,when filled with water adds several hundred pounds to the implement.This extra weight helps drive the blade and prongs deeper into the soil.

Shear pins, shear bolts, and shear links associated with the variouschains and their points of attachment are optional. These shearingdevices can be used to limit the force being applied to the workingfeatures of the implement. These devices can be used to avoid costlyrepairs and increase safety.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with regard to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows an overall view of the implement, including the barrel andshield options,

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the blade assembly,

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the vertical and gradient adjustmentsystem,

FIG. 4 shows a closeup view of the axle and spring region of anembodiment of the vertical and gradient adjustment system,

FIG. 5 shows a view of an embodiment of the claw assembly, and

FIG. 6 shows debris chains attached to the blade assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, a soil maintenanceimplement is disclosed having a blade assembly, an optional clawassembly, and a vertical and gradient adjustment system (“gradientsystem” or “gradient adjustment system”). The blade assembly is unique.The vertical and gradient adjustment system is unique. The claw assemblyis unique.

The invention does not require all the advantageous features and all ofthe advantages to be incorporated into every embodiment of theinvention. The gradient system can be used with other implementsunrelated to graders or soil maintenance.

For purposes of description, the “front” refers to the front of theimplement. The “back” or “rear” refers to the back of the implement.“Forward” or “frontward” refers to a position toward the front of theimplement. “Backwards” or “rearward” refers to a position toward theback of the implement. “Right” refers to the right side of the implementwhen the observer is facing in the same direction as the front of theimplement is oriented. “Left” refers to the left side of the implementwhen the observer is facing in the same direction as the front of theimplement is oriented. “Transverse” refers to crosswise of forward. Inmost instances “transverse” also means crosswise of forward andhorizontal. “Frame” refers to any frame of an implement or supportingstructure. A “member,” “support member,” or “support bar” is anysupporting member whether a part of the frame or a supporting memberattached to the frame.

A prong is a point, finger, plow, ripper, fork, braced fork, tine, orclaw. A prong has an upper portion and a lower digging end. A bracedfork is a fork having a plurality of tines and a cross member joiningtwo or more tines. A claw fork has two or more separated and parallelprongs, a sleeve attached to the prongs at a position on the prongs awayfrom the lower end of the prongs, and a cross member attached near thelower end of the prongs. A prong chain is a chain that attaches to aprong.

A tongue is longitudinal member that usually attaches a frame orstructure to a pulling vehicle. The tongue is usually at the front endof the implement. The gradient is the slope, inclination, or gradient. Ashearing device could be a shear pin, spring loaded release, shear bolt,or a weaker chain link. A power jacks means can be screw types jacks,pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, mechanical jacks, scissorjacks, and lever operated jacks. A latching means can be a clip, hook,slot for receiving links, vice, bolt, shackle, pin, or prong. Aswiveling means can be a swivel, a bearing, or an axle. A means forpivotably attaching can be a hinge, a swivel, a bar inside a sleeve, astrong flexible fabric, a nylon band, a strap, a bearing, an axle, or acable. A means for mounting can be a bearing, hub and bearing, an axle,or a swivel. A means for rotatably attaching can be a bearing, a barinside a sleeve, an axle, hub and bearing, or a swivel.

The blade angle is the angle of the upper portion of the blade relativeto the front of the implement when viewed from the top of the implement.When the blade is positioned over level soil, the blade pitch is theangle that the lower portion of the blade has relative to the surface ofthe soil when viewed from the longitudinal end of the blade. When theblade angle is 90 degrees, the gradient of the blade (“blade gradient”is the slope of the cutting edge of the blade when viewed from the rearof the implement.

The gradient of the implement is the slope of the frame when viewed fromthe rear of the implement. When the frame of the implement and the bladeare made to be parallel with each other, the gradient of the implementand the gradient of the blade are nearly synonymous. The gradient of theimplement and the gradient of the blade are adjusted by the samegradient adjustment system. In this description, the gradient of theimplement and the gradient of the blade will be treated as synonymous,even though they may not be if frame of the implement and the blade arenot made to be parallel with each other.

Point B1 is a point of attachment on the lower portion of the blade thatis to the right of center of the blade. Point B2 is a point ofattachment on the lower portion of the blade that is to the left ofcenter of the blade. Point F1 is a point of attachment on the frame thatis above and in close proximity to Point B1. Point F2 is a point ofattachment on the frame that is above and in close proximity to PointB2. The applicant used ⅜ inch shackles to attach the blade chains to theblade.

Point T1 is a point of attachment on the implement that is more forwardthan Point B1. A desirable place for Point T1 is near the front ormiddle of the tongue of the implement, which is the location of thelatching mechanism. Point T2 is a point of attachment on the implementthat is more forward than Point B2. A desirable place for Point T2 isnear the front or middle of the tongue of the implement, which is thelocation of the latching mechanism. The latching mechanism provides theattachment points, Point T1 and Point T2. Many different latching meanscan be devised for holding the blade chains in place.

Applicant intends to encompass within the language any structurepresently existing or developed in the future that performs the samefunction. In describing the components of the gradient system, thecomponents on the right side of the implement will most likely bepresent in a mirrored configuration on the left side of the implement,and vice versa, unless otherwise described.

The blade assembly has a swiveling means, a means for pivotablyattaching, a blade having an upper portion and lower portion, a rightside blade chain (“right blade chain”), and a left side blade chain(“left blade chain”). The swiveling means occupies a vertically orientedaperture in the frame. The swiveling means rotates on a vertical axis.The means for pivotably attaching is attached to the underside of theswiveling means. The means for pivotably attaching pivots on ahorizontal axis. The means for pivotably attaching is attached to theupper portion of the blade.

The right blade chain is attached to the lower portion of the blade at apoint right of center of the blade. The right blade chain is alsoattached to a portion of the implement that is more forward than theblade. The left blade chain is attached to the lower portion of theblade at a point left of center of the blade. The left blade chain isalso attached to a portion of the implement that is more forward thanthe blade.

The blade is suspended from the underside of the frame. The swivelingmeans enables the blade to rotate 360 degrees on a vertical axisprovided no other components impede the rotation. The swiveling meansenables the blade to rotate on a horizontal axis. The blade is capableof swiveling vertically and pivoting horizontally simultaneouslyprovided other portions of the implement do not obstruct the motion ofthe blade. The interaction of the swiveling means and the means forpivotably attaching enables the blade to be placed in a great variety ofphysical orientations.

When the swiveling means and the means for pivotably attaching areadjacent to each other, the blade, pivoting on a horizontal axis, canpivot about 180 degrees from a frontward up horizontal position througha conventional working position to a frontward down horizontal position.In this situation, further horizontal rotation by the blade isobstructed by the frame.

The blade has a trip feature. Tripping is when the blade moves from anormal working position to an abnormal position for working. Since theblade chains are attached to a more forward position of the implementand the blade chains hold the blade in position during forward motion,the blade will pivot forward when the implement motion is reversed, thusattaining a tripped state.

The trip feature generally permits the operator to back up the implementwith the blade down without damaging the blade. This is a handy featureand a potential safety feature. The trip feature allows the operator toback out of an obstacle, instead of having to adjust or raise the bladeto separate the blade from an obstacle.

With the blade chains positioned forward of the blade, the operator canreset the trip feature by pulling the implement forward and the blade isrestored to the working position, without any adjustments to theimplement. After reversing to separate the blade from an obstacle, theoperator can choose to engage the same obstacle again by pulling forwardinto the obstacle. After reversing to separate the blade from anobstacle, the operator can turn the pulling vehicle a differentdirection so that the blade can engage the obstacle at a different angleor from a different direction.

The blade assembly can be changed by making a few adjustments. The bladeangle and blade pitch are adjusted by changing the length of the bladechains. This can be accomplished by placing different chain links of theblade chains in a latching mechanism. The latching mechanism ispositioned forward of the blade, usually on the tongue of the implement,and the latching mechanism holds the blade chains securely. The latchingmechanism can provide the attachment points, Point T1 and Point T2.

The tensile strength of the blade chains and the strength of thelatching mechanism can limit the force that can be applied to thescraping edge of the blade. If one blade chain or the latching mechanismbreaks or becomes unattached while the blade is engaged in soil, theblade angle and blade pitch change to relieve some or all of the forcebeing applied to the blade.

When in a working position, shortening both blade chains equally movesthe lower cutting edge of the blade forward, thus changing the bladepitch. When in a working position, lengthening both blade chains movesthe cutting edge backward, thus changing the blade pitch. Shortening orlengthening both blade chains equally in the same adjustment changes theblade pitch.

Shortening the left blade chain, while correspondingly lengthening theright blade chain, changes the blade angle so that the left side of theblade moves forward and the right side of the blade moves backward.Shortening the right blade chain while correspondingly lengthening theleft blade chain by the same distance, changes the blade angle so thatthe right side of the blade moves forward and the left side of the blademoves backward. By adjusting the length of the blade chains, the bladeangle can be changed to move the soil to either side of the implement.If the blade angle is set at 90 degrees, the blade pushes the soilforward, instead of to the side.

When in a working position, the blade chains provide force to hold thelower portion of the blade in position, while the blade swiveling meansand the blade means for pivotably attaching experience much less forcewhen there is forward motion of the implement. The blade chains make theblade assembly strong and durable. This force is evident by the quantityof soil the blade can move and how the blade can throw large rocks manyyards. The applicant made the blade chain from an approximately 1300lbs. working load chain.

By changing the blade pitch so it is nearly a 90 degree angle, the bladedoes a good job of removing ground foliage and surface debris whilemoving some surface soil. By changing the blade pitch so the cuttingedge of the blade is forward of the upper portion of the blade, theblade moves much soil and can cut some subsoil roots.

The blade and this implement are not designed for operating in difficultterrain, such as embedded large rocks, large roots, and bedrock. Theblade and this implement are designed to move large quantities of soil,small rocks, and small roots. The applicant used ⅜ inch metal to makethe blade.

This blade and this implement should not be used in a working positionwithout using a shield or some safety measures, as the blade can throwlarge rocks and heavy objects at the pulling vehicle. The shield shownin the drawings is an optional, but effective safety feature. The shieldcan be rotated backwards so that it lies flat on the tongue of theimplement during transport.

The blade can be stowed when not in use by pivoting the lower portion ofthe blade up and swiveling the blade to the side so the blade can bechained to the underside of the frame. The blade can be brought into aworking position from the stowed position by unchaining the blade fromthe frame, swiveling the blade toward the front, and pivoting the lowerportion of the blade down.

The optional debris chains are additional chains that can be attached tothe blade. The right debris chain attaches to the blade at Point B1. Theright debris chain also attaches to the frame at Point F1. The leftdebris chain attaches to the blade at Point B2. The left debris chainalso attaches to the frame at Point F2. When attached, the debris chainsshould be loosely attached, not tightly attached.

An alternate way to attach the optional debris chains is to have a largehook on one end of the debris chains. The right debris chain is attachedto Point B1 and the large hook on the opposing end of the right debrischain is hooked on the edge of the upper portion of the blade. The leftdebris chain is attached to Point B2 and the large hook on the opposingend of the left debris chain is hooked on the edge of the upper portionof the blade. When attached, the debris chains should be looselyattached, not tightly attached. The applicable blade chains can thenattach to the debris chains in the same manner as before.

When the debris chains are attached to the blade and frame, the bladechains attach to the debris chains, instead of attaching to the bladedirectly. The right blade chain attaches to the right debris chain. Theleft blade chain attaches to the left debris chain. The blade chains areproperly attached to the debris chains when the blade chains attach tothe debris chains at a point several inches away from the attachmentpoint of the debris chains to the blade. The debris chains alter thepoint of attachment of the blade chains at the end nearest the blade.

This altered attachment raises the blade chains away from the ground andstill allows the blade chains to hold the blade in place during forwardmovement. With the blade chains away from the ground, the ground coverand debris has less of a tendency to accumulate near the blade chains sothe ground cover and debris flow better to the side of the blade. Whenthe debris chains are not used, the blade chains can obstruct the flowof ground cover and debris around the blade so the material accumulatesin front of the blade instead of flowing to the side.

The operator can adjust the attachment point of the blade chains to thedebris chains for the particular operating conditions. The amount ofground cover and debris and how the material flows to the side willdetermine where is the best attachment point for the situation. Withmore ground cover and debris, the distance between the attachment pointand the blade may need to be increased. At some point, however, theincrease in distance may cease to have a material flow benefit.

With less material, the distance between the attachment point and theblade can be decreased. If there is not much material or the material isflowing to the side of the blade adequately, it may be better to not usethe debris chains at all. The decision of whether to use debris chainsor not belongs to the operator. The debris chains alter the attachmentpoint so that the blade chains are less of an obstacle to the flow ofmaterial to the side of the blade.

A barrel is an optional feature. By filling the barrel with water,several hundred pounds of weight can be added to the frame. This addedweight increases the depth of soil penetration by the blade and prongswhen the gradient system is lowered.

The barrel has a cradle or holder to keep the barrel from moving duringuse. The barrel should be secured to the cradle. The implement also hasan optional holder for a spare tire for the implement.

The claw assembly has a means for pivotably attaching that pivots on atransversely disposed support member, one or more prongs are attached tothe means for pivotably attaching at a position on the prongs away fromthe lower portion of the prongs, and a chain for each prong connects thelower portion of the prong to said frame at a more forward part of saidframe in relation to said prongs.

The support member is transversely disposed on the implement. Thesupport member can be attached to the frame or it can be part of theframe. The means for pivotably attaching pivots on a transverse axis.The prongs have an upper portion and a lower digging portion. The prongsare suspended from the underside of the frame.

A claw fork has two or more separated and parallel prongs, a means forpivotably attaching is attached to the prongs at a position on theprongs away from the lower end of the prongs, and a cross memberattached near the lower end of the prongs. The means for pivotablyattaching can be a sleeve that pivots on a transversely disposed supportmember inside the sleeve.

The claw fork can replace some of the components of the claw assembly.For purposes of describing use, the prongs and claw fork may be usedinterchangeably, even though they are different.

The claw fork or prongs loosen compacted or hardened soil. When theprongs are in the desired working position, the claw chains provideforce to hold the lower part of the prongs in position, while the meansfor pivotably attaching experiences much less force. The claw chainsmake the claw assembly strong and durable. This force is evident by howthe prongs can dislodge some embedded objects, such as roots and rocks.

The claw assembly can break up hardened soil and dislodge some embeddedrocks. The chain or the attachment site for the chain can bemanufactured to break under certain tensions so that the prongs mayraise the implement over the obstacle and pass by potentially dangerousobstacles. With the claw assembly lowered into the working position, theimplement can usually be backed up without damaging the prongs.

The prongs can be stowed when not in use by pivoting the lower portionof the prongs forward and up and chaining the prongs to the frame. Theprongs can be brought into a working position from the stowed positionby unchaining the prongs from the frame, by pivoting the prongs downwardand back, and reattaching the claw chain to the frame when the prongsare in the desired position.

Like the blade assembly, the claw assembly has a trip feature. When theprongs encounter a large obstacle, the operator can reverse direction topull the prongs away from the obstacle. In reverse, the prongs trips topull out of the soil by pivoting the lower portion of the prongsforward. The claw chains generally do not interfere with the prongs whenthe claw assembly is tripping.

The trip feature allows the operator to back out of an obstacle, insteadof having to adjust or raise the prongs to separate the claw fork fromthe obstacle. With the claw chains attached forward of the prongs, theoperator can reset the prongs by pulling the implement forward a shortdistance and the prongs are restored to the working position without anyadjustments to the implement. After reversing to separate the prongsfrom the obstacle, the operator can choose to engage the same obstacleagain by pulling forward into the obstacle. By backing the implement,the operator may choose to engage the obstacle at a different locationor in a different direction.

The length of the claw chains, the weight of the implement, and theheight of the gradient system determine the penetration of the prongsprovided the ground is not to hard to penetrate. The operator can adjustall three of these factors. The claw assembly is a much desired featureto be incorporated into a grader implement.

This implement can be made lightweight and strong. A lightweightimplement using strong chains and the added weight of a barrel of watermake this lightweight implement perform well for many tasks. When thetask is completed, the barrel can be drained and the once heavyimplement is lightweight again for transport on roads and highways.

It may be desirable to incorporate a shearing device into the chains orattachment points of the chains of the claw or blade assemblies. Ashearing device could protect some of the features from damage shouldthis implement encounter a large obstacle during use. If a shearingdevice is used, replacement shearing devices should be kept with theimplement or designated pulling vehicle.

The gradient system is a system for raising, lowering, leveling, andadjusting the gradient of the implement. The gradient system has a setof components on each side, left and right, of the implement, anoptional axle disposed transversely, and an optional torsion chaindisposed transversely. The gradient system components on each side ofthe implement are pivoting arms, left and right, power jack means, leftand right, wheels, left and right, optional springs, left and right, andoptional frame guard extensions, left and right.

The right pivoting arm has a pivoting portion and an end portion. Thepivot portion of the right pivoting arm is pivotably attached to theright side of a frame. At a distance away from the attachment of thepivoting portion of the right pivoting arm to the frame, the rightpivoting arm is pivotably attached to one end of a first power jackmeans. The right pivoting arm pivots along a vertical path.

At a distance away from the attachment of the pivoting portion of theright pivoting arm to the frame, the right side of the frame ispivotably attached to the opposing end of the first power jack means. Ata distance away from the attachment of the pivoting portion of the rightpivoting arm to the frame, a right wheel is rotationally attached to thepivoting arm. The right wheel rotates on a transverse axis.

At a distance away from the attachment of the pivoting portion of theright pivoting arm to the frame, the right springs, if present, areattached to the right pivoting arm between the right pivoting arm andthe attachment of the right wheel. At a distance away from theattachment of the pivoting portion of the right pivoting arm to theframe, a transversely disposed axle, if present, is attached to theright wheel. If the right springs are present and the axle is present,the axle is attached to the right springs and to the right wheel,wherein the axle is between the attachment of the right springs and theattachment of the right wheel.

At a distance away from the attachment of the pivoting portion of theright pivoting arm to the frame, the right frame guard extension, ifpresent, is attached to the frame near the right pivoting arm, whereinthe right frame guard extension almost abuts the right pivoting armalong the entire path of the right pivoting arm while allowing the rightpivoting arm to move unimpeded.

The left pivoting arm has a pivoting portion and an end portion. Thepivot portion of the left pivoting arm is pivotably attached to the leftside of the frame. At a distance away from the attachment of thepivoting portion of the left pivoting arm to the frame, the leftpivoting arm is pivotably attached to one end of a second power jackmeans. The left pivoting arm pivots along a vertical path.

At a distance away from the attachment of the pivoting portion of theleft pivoting arm to the frame, the left side of the frame is pivotablyattached to the opposing end of the second power jack means. At adistance away from the attachment of the pivoting portion of the leftpivoting arm to the frame, a left wheel is rotationally attached to thepivoting arm. The left wheel rotates on a transverse axis.

At a distance away from the attachment of the pivoting portion of theleft pivoting arm to the frame, the left springs, if present, areattached to the left pivoting arm between the left pivoting arm and theattachment of the left wheel. At a distance away from the attachment ofthe pivoting portion of the left pivoting arm to the frame, the axle, ifpresent, is attached to the left wheel. If the left springs are presentand the axle is present, the axle is attached to the left springs and tothe left wheel, wherein the axle is between the attachment of the leftsprings and the attachment of the left wheel.

At a distance away from the attachment of the pivoting portion of theleft pivoting arm to the frame, the left frame guard extension, ifpresent, is attached to the frame near the left pivoting arm, whereinthe left frame guard extension almost abuts the left pivoting arm alongthe entire path of the left pivoting arm while allowing the leftpivoting arm to move unimpeded. The torsion chain, if present, isattached to the end portion of the right pivoting arm and to the endportion of the left pivoting arm.

The gradient is adjusted by independently shortening or lengthening oneor both power jacks. The applicant used mechanical jacks on hisimplement. The gradient system uses a triangle configuration of elementson each side of the implement to change the height of each sideindependently. A particular longitudinal length of frame is one of theelements. The power jack means (“power jack”) is another element. Thepivoting arm (also called “movable legs” or “movable leg”), pivotingalong a vertical path, is the last element of the triangle.

The distance on the frame between the pivotable attachments is onelength of the triangle configuration. The distance on the pivoting armbetween the pivotable attachments is another length of the triangleconfiguration. The distance between the pivotable attachment on thestationary end of the power jack means and pivotable attachment on thedisplacement end of the power jack means is the last length of thetriangle configuration. The frame is relatively stationary compared tothe other elements.

When the power jacks means are lengthened, the angle between thepivoting arms and the frame changes and the entire frame elevates. Whenthe power jacks means are shortened, the angle between the pivoting armsand the frame changes and the entire frame lowers. When the power jackmeans on one side is lengthened, the frame on that side rises. When thepower jack means on one side is shortened, the frame on that sidelowers.

When both sides of the implement are the same height, the frame isundistorted. When the sides of the implement have different heights,there is a twisting force being applied to the implement. It isdesirable to have a feature in the implement that will nondestructivelybend or absorb the differences, between the two sides of the implement.The applicant used leaf springs and an axle to alleviate some of thetwisting force.

As an operator is adjusting the gradient system to raise one side of theimplement higher than the other side or lower one side of the implementlower than the other side, the operator may notice that the structure ofthe gradient system will offer increased resistance to the distortionbeing applied, even without the torsion chain being attached.

The lowering of the frame lowers the blade and prongs to enableengagement or deeper penetration of the soil. The raising of the frameraises the blade and prongs to allow disengagement or less penetrationof the soil. The frame is raised during transport and lowered duringuse.

The gradient system enables the transverse slope of the implement to bemodified. The gradient system can be incorporated into otherapplications and implements. The gradient system is a desirable featureto be incorporated into a grading implement. When the gradient system isincorporated into an implement having the disclosed blade assembly, itenables the operator to adjust the gradient of the blade for theparticular application.

The gradient system is easy to modify. The height of each side can beindependently adjusted for the particular application. When modifyingthe gradient, the operator will most likely want to readjust the lengthof the torsion chain. During normal operations having little or notwisting force on the implement, the torsion chain is properly adjustedwhen there is about a three inch downward deflection of the middle ofthe torsion chain for every 52 inches of torsion chain length. Beforeand after adjusting the gradient, the operator should examine thetension being applied to the torsion chain.

When the length of the torsion chain between the two pivoting arms isproperly adjusted, the torsion chain will tighten to relieve some of thetwisting force that can occur occasionally. The torsion chain, whenproperly adjusted, can prevent one side of the gradient system frombeing overextended relative to the other side. The applicant used anapproximately 730 lbs. working load chain for the torsion chain.

The optional frame guard extensions are guards that are attached to theframe. The frame guard extensions almost abut the pivoting arms, but arenot attached to the pivoting arms. The frame guard extensions preventthe pivoting arms from bending laterally into the frame during rigoroususe or accidental incidents.

The torsion chain can be an impediment to the gradient adjustment. Whenthe two sides of the implement have different heights, a twisting forceis created. The torsion chain is an optional safety feature for limitingthe amount of twisting force being applied to the frame and implement.

The optional torsion chain that complements the vertical and gradientadjustment system, is an adjustable safety feature that keeps theimplement from twisting past a point designated by the operator'sadjustment of the torsion chain. Should the implement be operated inareas of deep ravines and holes, the torsion chain may keep one side ofthe implement from falling to far into the ravine or hole.

As more twist is being applied to the frame and implement, the torsionchain will tighten. When the torsion chain tightens, the operator shouldconsider the prudence of whether to apply that amount of twist to theframe and whether to lengthen the torsion chain. The torsion chain isespecially desirable for limiting the twist on the frame when one sideof the implement falls or rolls into a hole or crevice or one sideencounters a extreme height displacement during operation.

While the torsion chain can limit the twisting force and the excessiveapplication of slope to the frame, some twisting force will be appliedto one or more parts of the implement. The springs are a likely site foralleviating some of twisting force. If a part on one side, left orright, were to break during transport or use, a properly adjustedtorsion chain may prevent consequential damage to the implement or tothe road.

Because an axle is a strong structural feature for implements, theapplicant likes the leaf spring and axle combination in the gradientsystem. While other types of springs and wheel supporting structures,like an independent suspension design, may be used and may be workable,the applicant prefers the axle and leaf spring combination to othercompeting combinations for the gradient system.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is an axle attached to thepivoting arms by leaf springs. In the preferred embodiment, the leafsprings are the only attachment between the axle and pivoting arms. Apreferred embodiment of the invention is depicted in the drawings, asthis is substantially similar to the implement the applicant built forhis own personal use.

In FIG. 1, the implement is built like a light trailer. The implementhas a long tongue, not labeled, to attach a frame 50 of the implement toa pulling vehicle, a shield 65, a blade assembly 100, not labeled, aclaw assembly 300, not labeled, a barrel 75, and a vertical and gradientadjustment system 200, not labeled.

The description of FIG. 1 is presented to describe those elements thatcan be easily viewed in FIG. 1. The gradient system 200 and clawassembly 300 are partially hidden and are difficult to see in FIG. 1.These features will be described in more detail with other figures.

The frame 50 consists of two longitudinal support members, two crossmembers attached to the longitudinal support members, and two verticalmembers (“upright members”), with each vertical member being attached toone longitudinal support member.

The shield 65 is a large planar structure that is attached to the middleof the tongue of the implement. The shield 65 is shown in the upright(working) position in FIG. 1. On the tongue and just behind the shieldis a latching mechanism 147, partially hidden and not labeled in FIG. 1,but is labeled in FIG. 2. The latching mechanism receives the bladechains (145A right and 145B left, collectively 145) from the blade 110.

The latching mechanism 147 is attached to the tongue of the implement ata position forward of the blade 110. The latching mechanism has alatching means on each side, left and right, of the tongue. The latchingmeans is a slot in the latching mechanism 147 for receiving the chainlinks of the blade chains 145. The latching mechanism holds the bladechains at a particular length.

The frame 50 has a vertical hole, not labeled, extending through theframe. A swiveling rotational sleeve 120 has an upper swiveling portionand a lower sleeve portion. The upper swiveling portion, rotating on anearly vertical axis, of the swiveling rotational sleeve occupies thevertical hole in the frame. The lower sleeve portion has a horizontallyoriented aperture through the entire length of the sleeve. The lowersleeve portion rotates on a nearly horizontal path. The lower sleeveportion of the swiveling rotational sleeve is suspended from theunderside of the frame. The swiveling rotational sleeve 120 rotatesaround a vertical axis.

Inside the sleeve portion of the swiveling rotational sleeve 120 is arotational bar 140. The rotational bar 140 extends out both ends of theswiveling rotational sleeve 120. The opposing ends of the rotational bar140 are attached to a blade 110. The blade 110 and rotational bar 140pivot on a horizontal axis in relation to the swiveling portion of theswiveling rotational sleeve 120, which rotates on a vertical axis.

The blade 110 is held into the different physical orientations by bladechains 145.

The blade chain 145A attaches to the lower portion of the blade at apoint right of center of the blade. The blade chain 145B attaches to thelower portion of the blade at a point left of center of the blade. Theopposing ends of the blade chains 145A and 145B are received by thelatching mechanism 147, partially hidden and not labeled.

In FIG. 2, the blade assembly is depicted. The frame 50 has a verticalhole, not labeled, extending through the frame. A swiveling rotationalsleeve 120 has an upper swiveling portion and a lower sleeve portion.The lower sleeve portion is transversely oriented compared to the upperswiveling portion. The upper swiveling portion of the swivelingrotational sleeve occupies the vertical hole in the frame. The lowersleeve portion of the swiveling rotational sleeve is horizontallyoriented and suspended from the underside of the frame. The sleeveportion has an aperture through the entire length of the sleeve portion.The swiveling rotational sleeve 120 rotates around a 360 degree verticalaxis.

A rotational bar 140 occupies the aperture of the sleeve portion of theswiveling rotational sleeve 120. The rotational bar 140 extends out bothends of the aperture of the swiveling rotational sleeve 120. Theopposing ends of the rotational bar 140 are attached to a blade 110. Theswiveling rotational sleeve 120 rotates on a vertical axis, while theblade 110 and rotational bar 140 pivots on a horizontal axis.

The blade 110 is held into the different physical orientations by bladechains 145. The blade chain 145A attaches to the lower portion of theblade 110 at a point right of center of the blade. The blade chain 145Battaches to the lower portion of the blade 110 at a point left of centerof the blade. The other ends of the blade chains 145A and 145B arereceived by the latching mechanism 147, partially hidden and notlabeled.

Also present in FIG. 2 is the barrel 75 and the cradle 95 for thebarrel. The cradle has two longitudinally disposed members attached tothe frame. These longitudinally disposed members are separated by adistance a little shorter than the diameter of the barrel being used.The cradle has two or more cross members that are attached to thelongitudinally disposed members.

In FIG. 3, the rear end of the implement is depicted. This view showsthe gradient system 200, not labeled. The gradient system 200 has twopivoting arms (210A and 210B, collectively 210), two power jack means(220A and 220B, collectively 220), two rotational pins (255A, notvisible, and 255B, collectively 255), two jack swivels (225A, notvisible, and 225B, collectively 225), two leaf springs, partially hiddenand not labeled, axle 250, two wheels (260A and 260B, collectively 260),and a torsion chain 230.

The frame 50 has two transverse apertures, not labeled, one aperture ina right side longitudinal member of the frame and the other aperture ina left side longitudinal member of the frame. The pivoting arms 210 havea transversely oriented axis feature 270 on each pivoting arm. The axisfeatures are labeled 270A and 270B. The axis feature 270A of thepivoting arm 210A occupies the transverse aperture on the right side ofthe frame.

The axis feature 270B of the pivoting arm 210B occupies this transverseaperture on the left side of the frame. The axis features 270 have atransversely oriented aperture, not labeled, through the axis feature.When the claw assembly 300, not shown, is attached to the implement, theaxis bar 320, not shown, occupies the axis features 270 of the pivotingarms 210. The pivoting arms pivot on a transverse axis and have a nearlyvertical path of pivoting.

The leaf springs 240 are longitudinally attached to the underside of thepivoting arms 210 near the end portion of the pivoting arms at both endsof the leaf spring. The middle portion of the leaf springs is attachedto a transversely disposed axle 250.

The axle has wheels 260 on both ends of the axle. The wheels 260 have atransverse axis of rotation. On the lower ends of the power jack means220 are rotational pins 255 that pivotably attach the power jack meansto the pivoting arms 210. The power jack means 220 are verticallyoriented. The upper end of the power jack means are pivotably attachedto an upright member, not labeled, of the frame by jack swivels 225.

The frame guard extensions 265 are downward extensions from the uprightmembers of the frame 50. The frame guard extensions 265 are attached tothe frame 50, but not to the pivoting arms 210. The frame guardextensions 265 almost abut the pivoting arms 210 along the opertationalorientations of the pivoting arms. The optional torsion chain 230connects the end portion of the pivoting arm 210A to the end portion ofthe pivoting arm 210B. The torsion chain is a desirable safety feature.

In FIG. 4, the lower rear portion of the right side of the gradientsystem 200, not labeled, is illustrated. The frame 50 has a transverseaperture, not labeled, in a right side longitudinal member of the frame.The axis feature 270A of the pivoting arm 210A occupies this transverseaperture in the frame. The axis feature 270A has an aperture, notlabeled, through it.

The pivoting arm 210A is pivotably attached to the frame 50 via the axisfeature 270A occupying the aperture in the frame. The pivoting armpivots on a transverse axis along a nearly vertical path. The leafspring 240A is longitudinally attached near the rear end portion of thepivoting arm 210A at both ends of the leaf spring. The middle portion ofthe leaf spring is attached to a transversely disposed axle 250.

The axle has wheels (260A, shown and labeled, and 260B, not shown) onboth ends of the axle. Above the axle on the pivoting arm 210A is arotational pin 255A that pivotably attaches the pivoting arm to thelower end of the power jack means 220A.

The power jack means 220A is vertically oriented. The upper end, notshown, of the power jack means is pivotably attached to an uprightmember of the frame, partially shown and not labeled. The frame guardextension 265A is a downward extension from the upright member of theframe.

The frame guard extension 265A is attached to the frame, but not to thepivoting arms 210. The frame guard extension 265A almost abuts thepivoting arm 210A along the operational orientations of the pivotingarms. Most of the previously described components in relation to FIG. 4,looking at the right side of the implement, are duplicated in a mirroredconfiguration on the left side of the implement.

The optional torsion chain 230 connects the end portion of the pivotingarm 210A to the end portion of the pivoting arm 210B. The torsion chainis a desirable safety feature.

In FIG. 5, the claw assembly 300, not labeled, is illustrated. In thisembodiment, the claw assembly has a claw fork 310, an axis bar 320, andclaw chains (330A and 330B). The claw fork 310 consists of two prongs,not labeled, a rotational sleeve, not labeled, and a cross bar, notlabeled, joining the two prongs.

The claw fork 310 pivots on a transverse axis. The two prongs, notlabeled, are the parallel members that have a vertical rotational path.The rotational sleeve of the claw fork is disposed transverse to theimplement between two longitudinal members of the frame. The rotationalsleeve of the claw fork is the sleeve that surrounds the middle portionof the axis bar 320. The cross bar of the claw fork is the transversemember that joins the two prongs together near the lower digging ends ofthe prongs.

The axis bar 320 is a support member that is disposed transverse to theimplement. The axis bar occupies two apertures, not labeled, in thelongitudinal members of the frame. One end of the axis bar 320 occupiesan aperture in a right side longitudinal member of the frame and theopposing end of the axis bar occupies an aperture in a left sidelongitudinal member of the frame. When the optional claw assembly 300 isattached to the implement, the axis bar 320 occupies the axis feature270A of the pivoting arm 210A and the axis bar 320 also occupies theaxis feature 270B on the pivoting arm 210B.

The prong chains 330 attach near the ground engaging ends of the clawfork 310 with prong chain 330A attaching to the prong on the right sideof the claw fork and prong chain 330B attaching to the prong on the leftside of the claw fork. The prong chain 330A attaches to the frame at amore forward part of said frame in relation to said prongs. The prongchain 330B attaches to the frame at a more forward part of said frame inrelation to said prongs.

The rotational sleeve of the claw fork 310 pivots on the axis bar 320.The rotational sleeve enables the claw fork 310 to pivot upward into anon-working position or pivot downward into a working position. The clawfork 310 is supported the axis bar 320. In FIG. 5, the cradle 95 can beviewed without the barrel obstructing the view of the cradle.

In FIG. 6, the debris chains (157A and 157B, collectively 157) areillustrated with the blade assembly 100, not labeled. The debris chains157 attach to the blade 110 and to the frame 50. The debris chain 157Aattaches to Point B1 on the blade. The debris chain 157A also attachesto Point F1 on the frame. The blade chain 145A attaches to the debrischain 157A between where the debris chain attaches to Point B1 and toPoint F1. The blade chain 145A also attaches to the Point T1. In thisillustration, the Point T1 is on the latching mechanism 147.

The debris chain 157B attaches to Point B2 on the blade 110. The debrischain 157B also attaches to Point F2 on the frame 50. The blade chain145B attaches to the debris chain 157B between where the debris chainattaches to Point B2 and to Point F2. The blade chain 145B also attachesto the Point T2. In this illustration, the Point T2 is on the latchingmechanism 147. The barrel 75 and the cradle 95 can also be seen in FIG.6.

If the blade assembly was made with the swiveling means and the meansfor pivotably attaching further apart, the blade would have greaterhorizontal rotation than 180 degrees, but the blade assembly may losesome structural stability. It is preferable that the swiveling means andthe means for pivotably attaching be adjacent or very close to eachother, as this design is more structurally stable.

It is preferable that the gradient system be used with the bladeassembly since the independent height adjustment of the gradient systemenables the blade to have a gradient, thus making the blade assemblymore functional. It is also preferable that the claw assembly be usedwith the blade assembly because the soil loosening effect of the prongsenables the blade to be used in soil that is difficult to penetrate.

The blade assembly, in conjunction with the vertical and gradientadjustment system, is unusual in that the operator can independentlyadjust blade angle, blade pitch, and the gradient of the blade on thesame implement.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, those skilled in the art may appreciate numerousmodifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appendedclaims cover all such modifications and variations as fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the invention.

1. An implement for grading soil and soil components, the implementcomprising: a frame, said frame having a drawing end and a rear end,said frame having a topside and an underside, a single pair of wheelsrotatable about an axis extending transversely of said frame withrespect to the direction of displacement of the implement, said framehaving one or more longitudinal members and one or more cross membersjoining said longitudinal members, a means for mounting said wheels ontosaid frame, a swiveling means attached to said frame, wherein saidswiveling means has a vertical axis of rotation, said swiveling meanshas a topside and an underside, a blade having a upper portion and lowerportion, a means for pivotably attaching the upper portion of said bladeto the underside of said swiveling means, wherein the upper portion ofsaid blade is suspended horizontally underneath said frame, wherein saidblade has a vertical axis of rotation and said blade pivots on ahorizontal axis, a first chain attached to the lower portion of saidblade at a point right of the center of said blade, said first chainattached to said frame at a point closer to the drawing end of saidframe than said blade, a second chain attached to the lower portion ofsaid blade at a point left of the center of said blade, and said secondchain attached to said frame at a point closer to the drawing end ofsaid frame than said blade.
 2. The implement of claim 1, furthercomprising: said first chain is revocably attached to said blade, andsaid second chain is revocably attached to said blade.
 3. The implementof claim 2, further comprising: said first chain is detached from saidblade, said second chain is detached from said blade, a third chain isrevocably attached to the lower portion of said blade at a point rightof the center of said blade, said third chain is revocably and looselyattached to said frame at a point above the point of attachment of saidthird chain to said blade, a fourth chain is revocably attached to thelower portion of said blade at a point left of center of said blade,said fourth chain is revocably and loosely attached to said frame at apoint above the point of attachment of said fourth chain to said blade,said first chain is revocably attached to said third chain near thepoint of attachment of said third chain to said blade, and said secondchain is revocably attached to said fourth chain near the point ofattachment of said fourth chain to said blade, whereby this differentarrangement of said chains increases the distance between the bottomedge of the lower portion of said blade and the points of attachment ofsaid first chain and said second chain near said blade.
 4. The implementof claim 1, further comprising: said first chain is revocably attachedto said frame at a point closer to the drawing end of said frame thansaid blade, and said second chain is revocably attached to said frame ata point closer to the drawing end of said frame than said blade.
 5. Theimplement of claim 1, further comprising: one or more prongs having atop end and a lower digging end, a means for pivotably attaching saidprongs to said frame, wherein said prongs pivot on a horizontal axis,wherein the lower digging end of said prongs can pivot into a positionlower than said frame, one or more prong chains attached near thedigging end of said prongs, wherein said prong chains are attached tosaid frame at a more forward part of said frame in relation to saidprongs.
 6. The implement of claim 5, further comprising: a cross memberattached to a plurality of said prongs at points near the lower diggingend of said prongs.
 7. An implement having a vertical and gradientadjustment system, the implement comprising: a frame, said frame havinga drawing end and a rear end, said frame having a right side and a leftside, a first wheel rotatable about an axis extending transversely ofsaid frame with respect to the direction of displacement of theimplement, a second wheel rotatable about an axis extending transverselyof said frame with respect to the direction of displacement of theimplement, said frame having at least two parallel longitudinal membersand one or more cross members joining said longitudinal members, a firstpivoting arm having a pivoting portion and an end portion, a means forpivotably attaching the pivoting portion of said first pivoting arm tothe right side of said frame, wherein said first pivoting arm pivotsalong a vertical path, a means for rotatably attaching said first wheelto said first pivoting arm, wherein said first wheel is attached nearthe end portion of said first pivoting arm, a first power jack meanshaving a first end and a second end, wherein one end of said first powerjack means is a displacement end and the other end of said first powerjack means is a stationary end, wherein the first end of said firstpower jack means is pivotably attached to said frame at a point awayfrom the attachment point of the pivoting portion of said first pivotingarm and the second end of said first power jack means is pivotablyattached to said first pivoting arm at a point away from the pivotingportion of said first pivoting arm, a second pivoting arm having a pivotportion and an end portion, a means for pivotably attaching the pivotingportion of said second pivoting arm to the left side of said frame,wherein said second pivoting arm pivots along a vertical path, a meansfor rotatably attaching said second wheel to said second pivoting arm,wherein said second wheel is attached near the end portion of saidsecond pivoting arm, and a second power jack means having a first endand a second end, wherein one end of said second power jack means is adisplacement end and the other end of said second power jack means is astationary end, wherein the first end of said second power jack means ispivotably attached to said frame at a point away from the attachmentpoint of the pivoting portion of said second pivoting arm and the secondend of said second power jack means is pivotably attached to said secondpivoting arm at a point away from the pivoting portion of said secondpivoting arm, wherein the height of each side, right or left, of saidframe is independently adjustable from the other side of said frame,whereby substantial differences in gradient from the left side to theright side can be attained and can be maintained while the implement isbeing used in a working situation.
 8. The implement of claim 7, furthercomprising: a swiveling means attached to said frame, wherein saidswiveling means has a vertical axis of rotation, said swiveling meanshas a topside and an underside, a blade having a upper portion and lowerportion, a means for pivotably attaching the upper portion of said bladeto the underside of said swiveling means, wherein the upper portion ofsaid blade is suspended horizontally underneath said frame, wherein saidblade has a vertical axis of rotation and said blade pivots on ahorizontal axis, a first chain attached to the lower portion of saidblade at a point right of the center of said blade, said first chainattached to said frame at a point closer to the drawing end of saidframe than said blade, a second chain attached to the lower portion ofsaid blade at a point left of the center of said blade, and said secondchain attached to said frame at a point closer to the drawing end ofsaid frame than said blade.
 9. The implement of claim 8, furthercomprising: one or more prongs having a top end and a lower digging end,a means for pivotably attaching said prongs to said frame, wherein saidprongs pivot on a horizontal axis, wherein the lower digging end of saidprongs can pivot into a position lower than said frame, one or moreprong chains attached near the digging end of said prongs, wherein saidprong chains are attached to said frame at a more forward part of saidframe in relation to said prongs.
 10. The implement of claim 7, furthercomprising: one or more prongs having a top end and a lower digging end,a means for pivotably attaching said prongs to said frame, wherein saidprongs pivot on a horizontal axis, wherein the lower digging end of saidprongs can pivot into a position lower than said frame, one or moreprong chains attached near the digging end of said prongs, wherein saidprong chains are attached to said frame at a more forward part of saidframe in relation to said prongs.
 11. The implement of claim 7, furthercomprising: a torsion chain attached to said first pivoting arm, whereinsaid torsion chain is attached near an end portion of said firstpivoting arm, and said torsion chain is attached to said second pivotingarm, wherein said torsion chain is attached near an end portion of saidsecond pivoting arm, whereby the torsion chain functions as a safetyfeature to prevent excessive implement torsion when one side of saidframe is elevated relative to the other side of said frame.
 12. Theimplement of claim 11, further comprising: said torsion chain isrevocably attached to one of the pivoting arms.
 13. The implement ofclaim 7, further comprising: a first spring attached to said firstpivoting arm at a point away from the pivoting portion of said firstpivoting arm, said first spring is attached to said means for rotatablyattaching said first wheel, a second spring attached to said secondpivoting arm at a point away from the pivoting portion of said firstpivoting arm, and said second spring is attached to said means forrotatably attaching said second wheel.
 14. The implement of claim 13,further comprising: a torsion chain attached to said first pivoting arm,wherein said torsion chain is attached near an end portion of said firstpivoting arm, and said torsion chain is attached to said second pivotingarm, wherein said torsion chain is attached near an end portion of saidsecond pivoting arm, whereby the torsion chain functions as a safetyfeature to prevent excessive implement torsion when one side of saidframe is elevated relative to the other side of said frame.
 15. Theimplement of claim 14, further comprising: said torsion chain isrevocably attached to one of the pivoting arms.
 16. The implement ofclaim 7, further comprising: a first set of leaf springs attached tosaid first pivoting arm, a second set of leaf springs attached to saidsecond pivoting arm, an axle, said first set of leaf springs is attachednear one end of said axle and said second set of leaf springs isattached near the opposing end of said axle, said first wheel isrotatably attached to the right side of said axle, and said second wheelis rotatably attached to the left side of said axle.
 17. The implementof claim 16, further comprising: a torsion chain attached to said firstpivoting arm, wherein said torsion chain is attached near an end portionof said first pivoting arm, and said torsion chain is attached to saidsecond pivoting arm, wherein said torsion chain is attached near an endportion of said second pivoting arm, whereby the torsion chain functionsas a safety feature to prevent excessive implement torsion when one sideof said frame is elevated relative to the other side of said frame. 18.The implement of claim 17, further comprising: said torsion chain isrevocably attached to one of the pivoting arms.
 19. An implement havinga claw assembly, the implement comprising: a frame, said frame having adrawing end and a rear end, a single pair of wheels rotatable about anaxis extending transversely of said frame with respect to the directionof displacement of the implement, said frame having one or morelongitudinal members and one or more cross members joining saidlongitudinal members, a means for mounting said wheels onto said frame,one or more prongs having a top end and a lower digging end, a means forpivotably attaching said prongs to said frame, wherein said prongs pivoton a horizontal axis, wherein the lower digging end of said prongs canpivot into a position lower than said frame, one or more prong chainsattached near the lower digging end of said prongs, wherein said prongchains are attached to said frame at a more forward part of said framein relation to said prongs.
 20. The implement of claim 19, furthercomprising: a cross member attached to a plurality of said prongs atpoints near the lower digging end of said prongs.